The Local Church

The Speakeasy is a gathering for unfiltered conversations on faith and justice. At each gathering, we invite a special guest to share their personal experiences and stories in conversation around a particular topic or issue related to faith and justice. We hope these events inspire empathy, foster common ground, and cultivate deeper connections in our community and beyond.

This month, we welcomed The Rev. Katey Zeh (she/her) to help us navigate the intersection of faith and reproductive justice. The Rev. Brent Levy and Katey explored this complex intersection, discussing the historical and current challenges faced by those advocating for reproductive freedom within religious contexts.

The Rev. Katey Zeh is an ordained Baptist minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). The Center for American Progress named her one of their top justice-seeking faith leaders to watch for her work on reproductive freedom. Rev. Katey has written for many outlets, including the Washington Post, Sojourners, Religion News Services, and Religion Dispatches, and she regularly appears in the media, including The Atlantic, CNN, The Nation, BBC, NBC News, Newsweek, and The Christian Century. She is the co-creator of the Kindreds podcast and the author of two books, A Complicated Choice: Making Space for Grief and Healing in the Pro-Choice Movement and Women Rise Up: Sacred Stories of Resistance for Today’s Revolution.

🎧 Audio Version:

• The role of faith communities in the reproductive justice movement
• Rev. Katey Zeh’s personal journey from growing up in Georgia to becoming a leading voice in reproductive freedom
• How abortion became a coded and contentious polarizing issue
• The historical involvement of religious leaders in supporting reproductive rights before Roe v. Wade
• How to navigate the complexities of supporting reproductive justice as a person of faith
• The importance of storytelling and empathy in understanding the diverse experiences of those who seek reproductive healthcare

• Gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith and reproductive rights
• Learn how to engage in compassionate conversations about reproductive justice in your community
• Discover ways to support reproductive health care providers and those seeking care
• Find inspiration to live into your values and advocate for change in a way that aligns with your faith

• Visit the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice website to learn more about their work and resources
• Check out Rev. Katey Zeh’s books, A Complicated Choice: Making Space for Grief and Healing in the Pro-Choice Movement and Women Rise Up: Sacred Stories of Resistance for Today’s Revolution.

This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at The Plant in Pittsboro, NC, on April 14, 2024. To learn more about Katey Zeh and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, visit rcrc.org. To learn more about The Local Church, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram.

April 14, 2024

In this episode, Pastor Brent explores the Parable of the Great Dinner from Luke 14 and how it relates to the theme of Jubilee, a concept rooted in the Jewish law book of Leviticus. Through this parable, Jesus demonstrates the expansive love and radical inclusion of God, upending expectations and reordering the world.

• The sociopolitical function of meals in the Ancient Roman world and how they reinforced hierarchies and social circles
• The significance of the excuses made by the wealthy invitees in the parable
• How Jesus's invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame challenges the social structure and brings about Jubilee
• The importance of not only including the marginalized but also centering their voices in order to dismantle oppressive systems and structures

• Find comfort in knowing that Jesus's arms are open wide for you, no matter what you or the world believe disqualifies you from God's love
• Discover a more complete picture of who God is by stepping into the story of Jubilee and considering whose voices need to be centered today
• Be inspired to tell a compelling story of justice, joy, and Jubilee that draws others into the expansive love of God

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

April 7, 2024

In this episode, we explore the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. You'll learn:

• How the disciples were feeling hopeless and confused after Jesus' death and the discovery of the empty tomb
• The significance of Jesus entering a "God-forsaken" place on the cross and defeating death, showing that God is with us even in the darkest moments
• How Jesus revealed himself to the disciples in the breaking of bread, causing their hearts to burn with renewed hope
• The importance of community in celebrating the good news of Easter and supporting each other through the highs and lows of faith

This message will encourage you to find hope in the resurrection, knowing that because of Jesus' victory over death, there is no place or situation that is beyond God's presence and redemption.

Scripture: Luke 24:13–35

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

March 31, 2024

In this powerful Easter sermon, Pastor Brent reflects on the significance of remembering the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how this remembrance can transform our lives and bring hope in the midst of life's challenges.

• The resurrection is not just about where we go when we die, but about the possibility of a new world filled with liberation, justice, belonging, and peace.
• By remembering the goodness, mercy, and grace we have experienced in the past, we can discover a renewed hope for the future.
• The same Spirit that raised Jesus can resurrect something within us, reminding us of the moments when love found us, tears stopped, and we experienced a sense of belonging.

• Take time to reflect on the moments in your life when you experienced hope, love, and belonging, and allow those memories to inspire you to live into the possibility of a better future.
• Share your stories of resurrection with others, reminding them that the worst thing is not the last thing and that love ultimately wins.
• As a community, commit to being a people with a collective memory, supporting one another through life's challenges by pointing to the hope of the resurrection.

Scripture: Luke 24:1–12

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

March 24, 2024

Rajeev Tiwari brings our Fast series to a close with this sermon set against the backdrop of Holy Week and Palm Sunday. Rajeev challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of power, salvation, and the way of Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 19:28–44

What You Will Learn:

• The True Nature of Power: Discover how Jesus redefines power through humility, servanthood, and love, contrasting sharply with worldly expectations.
• The Significance of Palm Sunday: Explore the deep symbolism of Palm Sunday and how it invites us to rethink our understanding of salvation and the kingdom of God.
• The Challenge of Embracing Mystery: Learn about the importance of letting go of our need for control and certainty in favor of trusting in God's unexpected plans for our lives.
• Practical Implications for Daily Life: Understand how embracing the mystery of God's kingdom can transform our approach to challenges, relationships, and our spiritual journey.

How It Will Help You:

This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of faith in a world that often values certainty and control. By embracing the mystery of God's kingdom, listeners will find encouragement to:

• Approach life's uncertainties with faith and trust in God's higher plans.
• Cultivate humility, servanthood, and love in their daily interactions.
• Recognize the presence and work of God in unexpected places and situations.

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

March 17, 2024

This week, Brent invites us to fast from holding it all together. Drawing from personal anecdotes, cultural references, and poignant scriptural insights, Brent invites us into a space of vulnerability, showing us the strength in letting our guards down and the beauty in our shared humanity.

• The Power of Vulnerability: Discover how embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and God.
• The Tradition of Fasting During Lent: Understand the significance of fasting not just from food but from behaviors and mindsets that distance us from the life God desires for us.
• The Gift of Tears: Learn about the ancient Christian tradition that views tears as a gift, a sign of a heart that is open and receptive to God's presence.
• Practical Ways to Let Go: Pastor Brent shares tangible practices, including the concept of a "God Box," to help us surrender our burdens and find peace in the midst of chaos.

This episode is a balm for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures, struggling with the need to appear strong at all times, or simply seeking a deeper spiritual connection during Lent and beyond. It offers practical advice and spiritual wisdom for finding grace in vulnerability, transforming our tears into prayers, and opening our hearts to the transformative power of God's love.

Scripture: Luke 13:31–34; 19:41–44  

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, [give online here](http://thelocalchurchpbo.org/give).

The Speakeasy is a gathering for unfiltered conversations on faith and justice. At each gathering, we invite a special guest to share their personal experiences and stories in conversation around a particular topic or issue related to faith and justice. We hope these events inspire empathy, foster common ground, and cultivate deeper connections in our community and beyond.

This month, we welcomed Susannah Tuttle, Director of the Eco-Justice Connection and NC Interfaith Power & Light, as she delves into the critical intersection of faith and climate justice. As you listen, you'll discover Susannah's journey from a passion for theater to becoming a leading voice in ecological ethics and her vision for a world rooted in love, kindness, and justice.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of faith communities in the climate justice movement.
• How climate justice intersects with other social justice issues, including racial and economic justice.
• The concept of global equitable climate finance and the responsibility of people of faith in addressing the climate crisis.
• Practical steps individuals and congregations can take to contribute to climate justice, such as asset mapping and divestment from fossil fuels.
• The importance of local action and community engagement in creating systemic change.

How It Will Help You:

• Gain insights into the ethical and theological motivations behind climate justice advocacy.
• Learn how to leverage your faith and community to make a tangible impact on environmental issues.
• Understand the power of collective action and how to mobilize resources for the greater good.
• Find inspiration to live a hope-filled life while confronting the challenges of climate change.

Where to Learn More:

• Visit the NC Interfaith Power & Light website at ncipl.org for resources on faith-based environmental advocacy.
• Explore the concept of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) principles and how they apply to climate justice.
• For those interested in the intersection of faith and climate finance, research the US Climate Fair Share campaign and consider how your congregation can participate.
• Listen to the Climate Justice Y'all podcast.
• Check out Music Declares Emergency, a group of artists, music industry professionals and organizations that stand together to declare a climate and ecological emergency.

This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at The Plant in Pittsboro, NC, on March 10, 2024. To learn more about Susannah Tuttle and NC Interfaith Power & Light, visit ncipl.org. To learn more about The Local Church, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram.

March 10, 2024

This week, Brent shares about fasting from planning and deadlines in order to embrace ripening.

• The spiritual significance of fasting during Lent and how it prepares us for the joy of resurrection.
• Insights into the human tendency to control outcomes through planning and how this can hinder our spiritual growth.
• The biblical perspective on unexpected life events and the call to trust in God's greater wisdom.
• The parable of the fig tree and its lessons on patience, trust, and the nurturing work of God in our lives.
• Practical wisdom from contemporary stories that encourage us to focus on the present and trust the process.

• Discover the freedom that comes with releasing the need to control every aspect of your life.
• Learn to appreciate the 'messy middle' of life's journey and the beauty of gradual growth.
• Gain a deeper understanding of repentance as a positive, life-giving turn towards God's plans.
• Find peace in the knowledge that God is at work in your life, even when progress isn't immediately visible.
• Embrace the present moment and the grace that it holds, rather than rushing towards the end goal.

Scripture: Luke 13:1–9

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

March 3, 2024

This week’s Lenten practice is fasting from scarcity anxiety, the worry that there isn’t enough. You’ll hear about a diving board incident gone wrong, a rich fool, how scarcity is a part of our mindset from the moment we wake up, and more, and how to overcome it.

Scripture: Luke 12:13-35

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

February 25, 2024

We’re contuing our series for Lent, and this week’s fast might be particularly challenging. If you’ve ever texted during a movie, scrolled Instagram at a stoplight, played Royal Match in class, browsed the headlines at the dinner table, checked your email during a Zoom call, or made your grocery list during a sermon… this one’s for you.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-42

For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at [email protected].

To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.